Once accused of racism, Justin Bieber wants fans to fight hate
This holiday season, Justin Bieber is urging fans to fight the good fight.
The “Baby” singer took to social media Wednesday to reflect on hurtful things he’s said in the past and encouraged his fans to follow suit.
“When I was young I was uneducated and found myself saying really hurtful things not knowing the power of my words,” Bieber wrote on Instagram, featuring the phrase “Stand Against Racism” in large letters next to it.
“Racism Is still very prevalent and I want to use my voice to remind we are all human being and all of EQUAL VALUE BEFORE GOD!,” he wrote.
Bieber, 25, was vague about the “really hurtful things” he laments saying, but he’s likely referring to several videos that surfaced in 2014 showing Bieber reciting offensive, racist jokes.
In one clip, a 15-year-old Bieber is seen telling a joke to his friends in which he uses the N-word repeatedly while a friend discourages him from saying it.
The clip reportedly was derived from backstage footage taken during a promotional event for his 2011 “Never Say Never” documentary.
Bieber later apologized in a statement that he posted on Twitter, calling his actions “childish” and an “inexcusable mistake.”
Days later, another video emerged online showing the YouTube personality turned pop star using the racial epithet again as a punch line. That time, he also mentioned joining the Ku Klux Klan.
The recording shows Bieber in front of the camera singing an alternate version of his 2009 hit “One Less Lonely Girl.” But rather than saying “girl,” he uses the N-word and continues with a grin: “If I kill you, I’ll be part of the KKK,” the footage shows.
But it seems the Biebs has learned from his mistakes. Now, he’s rallying Beliebers to fight against such hateful behavior.
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